Journey through Armenia and Georgia

Meet and greet at the airport.
Transfer to the selected hotel.
Overnight in Yerevan.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Excursion to the breathtaking Pagan Temple of the Sun (1st century AD) in the village of Garni. Built in Greek style with characteristic colonnades on all sides and perched on a hilltop divided from the mountain range by a deep gorge, the temple offers an extraordinary and almost surreal view. The Garni Fortress once served as the summer residence of the royal Arshakid dynasty. Destroyed by a powerful earthquake in 1679, it was later restored between 1969–1974. Remnants of the fortress walls, as well as ruins of the royal palace and baths, are still visible. Notable is the mosaic floor of the bath’s antechamber bearing the inscription: “We worked without receiving anything.” Greek inscriptions confirm the temple was built in 77 AD by King Trdat I of the Arshakid dynasty.

Continue to the extraordinary rock-carved Geghard Monastery (12th–13th centuries). The name means “Holy Lance,” referring to the spear that wounded Christ during the crucifixion and was long preserved here (now displayed in the museum of Echmiadzin Cathedral). The monastery, nestled high in the Azat River Gorge, is a masterpiece of medieval Armenian architecture and consists of the main church, two cave churches, and a mausoleum. In one of the cave chapels, a cold spring gushes from the rock—believed to have healing properties and regarded as sacred. Geghard Monastery was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.

Enjoy a demonstration of traditional Armenian lavash baking in a village home using a tandoor (tonir oven).

Return to Yerevan.

Overnight in Yerevan

Breakfast at the hotel.

Depart for Echmiadzin (Vagharshapat) – the ancient capital of Armenia and, since the 4th century, the religious heart of the country. It is the permanent residence of the Catholicos, the supreme head of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The Echmiadzin Cathedral, founded in 301 AD by St. Gregory the Illuminator, is the spiritual center of the Armenian Church. Over centuries, it has been expanded and now includes the Cathedral, the Theological Seminary, the Catholicos’ Residence, the Church Synod, and a library. In the museum behind the altar, you’ll find a rich collection of liturgical artifacts, gold and silver items, religious decorations, a giant silver vessel used for preparing myrrh, and the legendary Holy Lance.

Visit the Church of St. Gayane (7th century AD), who, according to tradition, was martyred for spreading Christianity in Armenia. Located south of the cathedral, the church was founded in 630 AD by Catholicos Ezra. A gallery was later added to the western façade, serving as a burial site for church leaders. The relics of St. Gayane rest in a southern chapel.

Before entering Echmiadzin, stop at the magnificent Church of St. Hripsime, where the saint is buried beneath the altar. According to legend, she was tortured and killed for preaching Christianity in Armenia. On the site of her martyrdom, Catholicos Komitas built the church in the 7th century. An inscription on the western wall tells her story.

Continue to one of Armenia’s architectural wonders – the Zvartnots Temple (built 641–661 AD), also known as the “Temple of Vigilant Powers.” Once a three-tiered structure supported by massive columns carved with eagles, grapevines, pomegranate branches, palmettes, and acanthus leaves, it stood as a masterpiece of early medieval Armenian architecture. Though now in ruins, the remains reflect its former grandeur. Zvartnots is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (2000).

Return to Yerevan.

Overnight in Yerevan

Breakfast at the hotel.

Depart for the Ararat Valley to visit Khor Virap Church. From here, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable view of the majestic Mount Ararat, its twin snow-capped peaks glistening on the horizon. Beneath the church lies a sacred dungeon where Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years by King Trdat for preaching Christianity in Armenia. After his release in 301 AD, Gregory baptized the Armenian people, and Armenia became the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as its official religion.

The Khor Virap Church was built over the very site of his imprisonment, making it a sacred destination for the Christian world. Gregory the Illuminator was later canonized as a saint and is considered the founder of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The entrance to the underground chamber is still preserved, and visitors may descend a ladder to view the dungeon where he was held.

Near the church are the ruins of Artashat, the ancient capital of Armenia. It is one of the few ancient cities known to have been built according to a planned layout—designed by none other than Hannibal, the famed Carthaginian general who fled to Armenia after his defeat by Rome.

Continue to the Noravank Monastery Complex (13th–15th centuries), an outstanding example of medieval Armenian architecture and a major religious and cultural center of its time. Nestled among dramatic red rock cliffs in a winding gorge, Noravank offers breathtaking scenery. The west façade of the church, adorned with cantilevered staircases leading to the second floor, is especially impressive.

Drive to Areni, considered the cradle of winemaking. Recent archaeological excavations in the Vayots Dzor region uncovered a 6,100-year-old winery and five wine cellars in a cave near Areni. Researchers found grape presses, fermentation vessels, storage containers, drinking cups, and remains of grapevines and seeds—evidence that this is the oldest known winery in the world. Scholars believe wine was used in funerary rituals and as offerings, as indicated by jars and drinking cups found in graves. According to both Armenian and American archaeologists, this discovery represents the world’s most complete and ancient wine production site to date.

Visit the “Hin Areni” Winery for a tour of the facility and a tasting of different local wines.

Return to Yerevan.

Overnight in Yerevan

Breakfast at the hotel.

Begin your day with a visit to Lake Sevan, one of Armenia’s natural wonders and one of the largest high-altitude freshwater lakes in the world. Sparkling blue and set against a backdrop of majestic mountains, its serene beauty has long inspired artists. Visit the Sevanavank Monastery, located on the peninsula, offering panoramic views of the lake and surrounding landscapes.

Continue to Dilijan, a mountain resort town often referred to as the “Armenian Switzerland” due to its lush pine forests and fresh alpine air. Nestled at an altitude of 1,200–1,500 meters, this charming town is known for its natural beauty and traditional Armenian architecture.

Next, head to northern Armenia to explore the Haghpat and Sanahin Monasteries in Lori Province—both listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites (1996).

• Visit the Haghpat Monastery (10th century), perched on a plateau surrounded by dramatic gorges. Between the 10th and 13th centuries, it was a major spiritual and cultural hub. The site was home to scholars studying the humanities and theology, and it was a center for painting and manuscript copying. The famed Armenian poet-troubadour Sayat-Nova once lived here—a life later immortalized in Sergei Parajanov’s film The Color of Pomegranates.
• Continue to the nearby Sanahin Monastery (10th century), which also served as a major religious and educational center with over 500 monks. Sanahin contributed significantly to Armenian learning, especially in theology, medicine, and the arts. In the 12th century, a medical school was established here, where anatomy and human physiology were taught.

Cross the Armenia–Georgia border and continue to Tbilisi.

Check into your hotel.

Overnight in Tbilisi

Breakfast at the hotel.
Enjoy a guided walking tour of Tbilisi (meaning “Warm Spring” in Georgian), the capital and largest city of Georgia, nestled in the valley of the Kura (Mtkvari) River. The city’s rich history is reflected in its diverse architecture—a striking blend of old districts with wooden balconies, cozy courtyards, ancient crumbling fortresses, and sleek modern business centers.

Explore the Old Town, including a visit to Narikala Fortress, one of Tbilisi’s most iconic and ancient monuments. Locals often refer to it as the soul and heart of the city. The fortress offers a stunning panoramic view over the entire Old Town.

Continue to the Fig Gorge and visit the famous sulfur bath complex, known for its therapeutic properties and distinct domed roofs.

Stroll through the charming alleyways of Sharden Street, a popular district filled with cafes, shops, and art galleries.

End the day with a Georgian wine tasting in a traditional marani (wine cellar).

Overnight in Tbilisi

Breakfast at the hotel.

Depart for Kakheti, the heartland of Georgian winemaking. Its jewel is the Alazani Valley, home to many of Georgia’s renowned wine-producing villages.

Visit the Kindzmarauli Wine Corporation, where you’ll tour the facility and enjoy a wine tasting session, learning about the production methods of famous Georgian wines.

Afterward, enjoy an optional lunch at a local Kakhetian family’s home, featuring a traditional Georgian feast (paid additionally).

Next, visit Sighnaghi, a charming town in Eastern Georgia also known as the “City of Love.” The town is famous for its traditional Georgian-style balconies and cobblestone streets.

Explore the Sighnaghi Fortress, one of the most famous and extensive fortifications in Georgia. Its walls have been preserved to this day, along with 28 watchtowers offering spectacular views over the Alazani Valley.

Overnight in Tbilis

Breakfast at the hotel.

Begin your journey to Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) via one of the most scenic routes in the Caucasus — the Georgian Military Road. This historic highway connects Tbilisi with Vladikavkaz (Russia) and winds through dramatic mountain passes, gorges, and rivers.

First stop: Ananuri Fortress (17th century) – a historic citadel with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Zhinvali Reservoir, a stunning turquoise lake nestled among the mountains and serving as Tbilisi’s main water source. It’s an ideal location for photography.

The Ananuri Complex was the main stronghold of the Aragvi Dukes. The site includes two churches adorned with ancient frescoes and stone carvings, watchtowers, and defensive walls. Ananuri played a significant role in Georgia’s history, serving as a key fortress protecting the way into the mountains. Today, it is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Georgia.

Next stop: The Friendship Monument, a panoramic viewpoint with a striking view over the surrounding mountain valleys.

Continue to the highest point of the route – the Jvari Pass (Cross Pass) at 2,385 meters above sea level. Here, you’ll fully experience the majesty of the Caucasus Mountains while breathing in crisp alpine air. Stop to take in the views and snap photos.

Arrive in Stepantsminda (Kazbegi), a small mountain town at the base of Mount Kazbek (5,033 m), one of the tallest peaks in the Caucasus.

Ride 4×4 vehicles up to the most iconic landmark in Georgia — the Gergeti Trinity Church (14th century).

The Gergeti Holy Trinity Church, perched at 2,170 meters, is one of the most picturesque churches in the world, set against the snowy backdrop of Mount Kazbek.

Return to Tbilisi via the same scenic route.

Overnight in Tbilisi

Breakfast at the hotel.

Check-out by 12:00.

Transfer to the airport 2.5 hours prior to your flight departure